Feds Detail New Mexico's Energy Profile

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Federal energy experts say New Mexico's petroleum and natural gas production make the state the third largest net energy supplier to the nation and there's substantial potential when it comes to solar, wind and geothermal energy.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration updated the state's energy profile this week.

The agency says New Mexico is second only to Wyoming in the number of producing mineral leases on federal lands.

When it comes to renewables, wind-generated electricity is a growing piece of the pie. New Mexico has nearly a dozen commercial wind farms in operation and more in the planning stages.

The agency did acknowledge that with population and electricity demand small in New Mexico, solar and wind projects need more transmission capacity to reach markets in Arizona and California.